BackInBlack

So far, this is the only class I have found for Breed Handling.
Southern Maryland Kennel Club

The only thing that bothers me so far is that they spelled "conformation" wrong on the website. Hmmm....

Like I said, I will be up in that area in late August/very early Sept. and be searching for a class....I will for sure let you know if I find a good one.

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dobebug

Hi C-Max,

I'd start by going to some AKC shows--and you can find out where they are in your area by going to the AKC site and checking out future shows--you can search by date and state.

Then if you can get to some shows you can see who is handling dogs (most catalogs will list the handler) and see who handles dogs well, is good with puppies etc.

As an alternative you could go to the DPCA website and check out breeders in your area, call or e-mail them asking for recommendations for handlers they would consider good and if they are close to you at all you could ask if they know of any handling classes in the area.

There is no double handling allowed in AKC shows and since that is one of the features of the "European" method you need to be aware of the fact--you can actually be excused in an AKC ring for double handling. Actually a well shown, well trained dog, shown "American" style isn't hanging in the collar at all--their head may be up but it's not because it's being forced that way by the collar.

Just remember if you are showing AKC you should plan on showing (or training) the dog to show in that style since that's what all the other dogs are doing.

Good handler can also advise if they think your puppy is competative.

Good luck--can't give you any specifics I'm on the other side of the country but every area has good handlers and classes which will allow the puppy to get used to being stacked and moved with dogs in front of and behind it.

CMax

Thanks!

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"Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about little puppies." -- Gene Hill

www.geocities.com/jugingrand - European bloodlines... we show, we train, we health test... in Northern Virginia now.

triciakoontz

Our local kennel club and our local APS offer handling classes - maybe check with these groups in the nearest larger city. That is one beautiful puppy! Such muscle definition - wow!

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Best Regards from Trish & The Zoo
* Bella, Amazing Dobergirl
* Zen, Super Doberpup
* Bailey, Wolf Hybrid, Adopted, Therapy Dog
* LuLu, Yellow-Naped Amazon, Free-Flying
* Montie, Lilac-Crowned Amazon, Free-Flying
* Poppy, Maine Coon Cat, Adopted
* Leo, Sweet Cat, Adopted

"Whatever may come, think that it is a part of the Divine Will, the Cosmic Law. That way, you won't lose your peace."

Rauschund

Really nice pup! Karen Bryant is a handler in Midland, VA. Her email is karenbryant@att.net. Amy Bryant is a breeder in Lexington, VA, her email is eagleridgedobe@rockbridge.net. I am sure they can help you find local classes, as well as show your dog if you like. Good luck

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CaroleAnn

www.rauschund.com

CMax

Approx. what kind of money am I looking at?

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"Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about little puppies." -- Gene Hill

www.geocities.com/jugingrand - European bloodlines... we show, we train, we health test... in Northern Virginia now.

velmadobe

That is a $64,000 question! It can vary widely, but I tell people that if you are going to use a handler and you have a good dog/bitch to plan on a minimum of $5000 to get them to their championship. It can be less or it is often more.

A good dog will finish faster in most cases than a good bitch because of the amount of competition out there ........ lots of good bitches.

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Dillon's Barclay Amy CD RN WAC CGC TDInc "Velma"
CH Cha-Rish A Moment Like This RN WAC CGC "Louise"
Fitzmar's Command A Minute "Harvard" (10 pts/both majors)
http://fitzmardobermans.freeservers.com/

CMax

Well... I just paid around $20K for training... *grim*

And then talk about the cost of breeding!!!! I am amazed at how people want this and that and the other... and a nice pedigree... and it has to be a champion bloodline... and the dogs have to have good temperaments... and it's awesome that mom and dad are all health tested AND trained AND champions... how much? Oh, I was only looking for a $800 pup... yeah...

I got a call from a lady "looking" for a pup for a friend. I almost fell off the chair when she had the audacity to tell me that she was willing to spend only $200 but wanted an intact female because they wanted to consider breeding her...

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"Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about little puppies." -- Gene Hill

www.geocities.com/jugingrand - European bloodlines... we show, we train, we health test... in Northern Virginia now.

Rauschund

Normally you can find conformation classes for about $90 for 8 weeks. You can save alot of money by training your pup so when you do decide you are ready for a professional handler your pup is ready too

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CaroleAnn

www.rauschund.com

lolonurse

What a gorgeous young pup you have - just stunning! Very good luck with her! Sometimes, if you contact the 4-H or high schools or colleges with Ag programs, you can find young people who want to become handlers - I believe it is a lot less expensive, sometimes they do it for school or group credit, and you are giving a budding handler a chance to shine - but that's only if you aren't extremely competitive, because the professional handlers can be brutal, and the judges CAN be partial! (not always, but some) And, in some places (like here in SoCal) VERY political. Very best of luck to you - she's a dandy. Lois